López LJM, Sastré ON, González RV, Rodea RH

Language: Spanish
References: 16
Page: 34-40
PDF size: 82.80 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze cancellations of scheduled surgeries and identify the underlying causes at the General Hospital of Mexico.
Material and methods: This is an observational, transversal and prospective study. It was performed from January 1st to December 31st, 2006. Information was compiled daily from the Elective Surgery Program that is kept at the operating room, verifying the number of scheduled surgeries, of the cancelled ones, and the reasons for it during the year 2006.
Results: We identified medical (70%) and non-medical (30%) reasons; among the first were mainly cardiovascular alterations, such as hypertension, another reason was operating rooms occupied for another procedure and change in the surgery program. Among the non-medical reasons was very importantly absenteeism of patients (23%). The services with the highest cancellation indices were General Surgery and Plastic Surgery.
Conclusion: The five main causes for cancellation add up to 76.9% of the eighteen identified reasons, if these are solved, then the general cancellation index can be markedly reduced. In general, the health personnel and the patient who does not assume his/her role in preserving health are responsible for the cancellations. It is necessary to monitor constantly the cancellation index to be able to improve the surgical services.

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